Q691. The toxic protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis does not kill the bacterium itself because:
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 691–700 of 1113 questions
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Q692. Which of the following is an environmental concern associated with the cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops?
Explanation
A significant environmental concern regarding GM crops is the possibility of gene flow, where pollen from the modified crop fertilizes related wild plants or weeds. If the transgene is transferred, it could create superweeds that are difficult to control. This potential for unintended ecological consequences requires careful monitoring and regulation of the release and cultivation of genetically modified organisms in the environment.
Q693. Identify the incorrect statement regarding transgenic animals.
Explanation
Transgenic animals are specifically designed and extensively used for chemical and drug safety testing. They can be engineered to be more sensitive to toxic substances, allowing for faster and more accurate results than traditional animal models. Other statements are correct: they are used for vaccine safety, studying human diseases like Alzheimers, and the first transgenic cow, Rosie, produced human protein-enriched milk.
Q694. The term biofortification in agriculture refers to:
Explanation
Biofortification is the process of increasing the nutritional quality of food crops through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. Unlike traditional fortification, which adds nutrients during food processing, biofortification aims to make the plants themselves richer in essential vitamins and minerals while they are growing, providing a sustainable way to improve public health in nutrient-deficient populations worldwide.
Q695. What triggers the activation of the Bt toxin in the gut of the target insect?
Explanation
The activation of the Bt toxin is highly specific to the environment of the target insects gut. The inactive protoxin crystals ingested by the insect are solubilized and proteolytically cleaved into an active form only when they encounter the alkaline pH conditions found in the midgut. This active toxin then binds to specific receptors on the gut lining, causing cell lysis and death.
Q696. Which of the following crops was the first transgenic crop introduced for commercial cultivation in the world?
Explanation
The Flavr Savr tomato, developed by Calgene and released in 1994, was the first genetically modified food crop to be granted a license for commercial sale and human consumption. It was engineered to have a longer shelf life and resist rotting by silencing the gene responsible for fruit softening. Although it was later withdrawn from the market, it paved the way for future GMOs.
Q697. The Human Genome Project (HGP) was officially launched in which year?
Explanation
The Human Genome Project was an international scientific research project officially launched in October 1990. Its monumental goal was to determine the base pairs that make up human DNA and to identify and map all the genes of the human genome from both a physical and functional standpoint. This multi-billion dollar mega-project involved scientists from around the world and was publicly funded.
Q698. Consider the following statements about the Human Genome Project:
I. It aimed to sequence the entire 3 billion base pairs of human DNA.
II. It discovered that humans have around 20,000 - 25,000 genes.
III. Less than 2% of the genome codes for proteins.
IV. It was an international, publicly funded mega-project.
V. It helped establish the field of bioinformatics.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It aimed to sequence the entire 3 billion base pairs of human DNA.
II. It discovered that humans have around 20,000 - 25,000 genes.
III. Less than 2% of the genome codes for proteins.
IV. It was an international, publicly funded mega-project.
V. It helped establish the field of bioinformatics.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Human Genome Project was a public mega-project that successfully sequenced the 3 billion base pairs of the human genome. Major findings included that humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes, and that less than 2% of the entire genome actually codes for proteins. The project also directly led to the birth of bioinformatics, the field dedicated to managing genomic research data.
Q699. Consider the following steps involved in sequencing a genome (Whole Genome Shotgun approach):
I. Isolation of DNA
II. Fragmentation
III. Cloning into vectors
IV. Sequencing
V. Computer-based assembly
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
I. Isolation of DNA
II. Fragmentation
III. Cloning into vectors
IV. Sequencing
V. Computer-based assembly
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
The Whole Genome Shotgun approach involves several logical steps. First, the total DNA is isolated from the cell. Then, it is broken into smaller fragments. These fragments are cloned into vectors to create a genomic library. Each fragment is then sequenced using automated sequencers. Finally, powerful computer algorithms are used to align overlapping sequences and assemble them into the complete genome sequence.
Q700. According to the findings of the Human Genome Project, the total number of estimated genes in humans is approximately:
Explanation
One of the most surprising discoveries of the Human Genome Project was that the human genome contains far fewer genes than previously estimated. Before the project, many scientists predicted upwards of 100,000 genes. However, the final analysis revealed that humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes. This finding suggested that human biological complexity arises more from gene regulation than numbers.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 691 | (c) The toxin exists as an inactive protoxin crystal inside the bacterium. |
| 692 | (b) The potential for gene flow to wild relatives, creating superweeds |
| 693 | (d) Transgenic animals cannot be used for chemical safety testing. |
| 694 | (a) Breeding crops to increase their nutritional value. |
| 695 | (c) Alkaline pH |
| 696 | (a) Flavr Savr Tomato |
| 697 | (b) 1990 |
| 698 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 699 | (a) Isolation of DNA - Fragmentation - Cloning into vectors - Sequencing - Computer-based assembly |
| 700 | (b) 20,000 - 25,000 |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.